Things to do in

Altamura

At the slow pace of the roads of the southern heel of the Italian boot, we will get to know places otherwise difficult to reach independently. You will have the chance to visit ancient towns, seaside resorts, and historical sites in Puglia and Basilicata. Our trips will be opportunities to learn about local culture in a friendly and informal environment. We'll travel backroads to destinations showcasing nature alongside human handiwork. You'll have a friend at your side to immerse you in the customs and traditions of the cities you visit. Select amongst various itineraries. Frequently requested trips include: 1) Bari - Polignano - Alberobello - Matera - Bari (200 km) 2) Bari - Alberobello - Locorotondo - Cisternino - Ostuni - Bari (190 km) 3) Bari - Polignano - Alberobello - Locorotondo - Monopoli - Bari (170 km) 4) Bari - Altamura - Gravina - Matera - Bari (150 km) 5) Bari - Giovinazzo - Castel del Monte - Trani - Bari (150 km) World Heritage Unesco sites: Alberobello: on the way to the ''trulli'' capital is Polignano, famous for its cliffs, home of the Diving World Championship, on the Adriatic coast. Locorotondo and other small towns of the Itria Valley can be visited driving old roads filled with ancient monumental olive trees. Matera: on the way to this amazing town we could stop in Gravina in Puglia and Altamura, homelands of some of the most delicious food in the region. Castel del Monte: suggested stops at Giovinazzo and Trani, with their wonderful cathedrals. Drive through picturesque rocky and coastal scenery.

In the heart of the Murgia plateau, Altamura has been inhabited since the dawn of time, as proved by the remains of "Ciccillo", the famous man from Altamura who lived over 150,000 years ago. It was later re-founded by the Emperor Frederick II of Swabia. He repopulated the town by convincing the inhabitants of the nearby countryside to move within the enormous protohistoric walls, and built the imposing cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta with its unique two bell towers. A great variety of brilliant and cultured figures were born here, and Altamura hosted one of the oldest universities in all southern Italy since 1748. Following the example of the French Revolution, Altamura proclaimed the Republic by erecting the tree of liberty in the central square in 1799. Later, it was heavily plundered by the Bourbon troops of Cardinal Ruffo. The town was named "Lioness of Apulia" for the courage shown against the Bourbon kingdom. The city offers many historical and cultural insights. Set out on our tour and live the ancient history of the city, going from the Palaeolithic to the classical age. Visit Altamura Diocesan Museum Matroneum, located in the majestic Federician Cathedral. Explore the ancient alleys and cloisters of the medieval village while occasionally smelling the fragrance of Altamura’s bread, famous all over the world.

Lasciati conquistare da questo percorso fatto di scoperte, ispirazioni e sorprese. Un vero e proprio viaggio nel tempo alla scoperta del mondo dell'olio extravergine d'oliva Perniola, un'azienda familiare con oltre 60 anni di storia e tre diverse generazioni! Con questo tour scoprirai la storia del frantoio tra tradizione e innovazione e l'intero processo produttivo che trasforma una semplice oliva nel famoso oro verde. Sarai guidato attraverso ogni fase che caratterizza la nascita di un olio extravergine di oliva di qualità e ne apprezzerai ogni sfumatura. Al termine del tour, un esperto ti guiderà in una degustazione dei loro migliori oli per farti conoscere le loro proprietà organolettiche, le tecniche di degustazione e i consigli per l'abbinamento con il cibo. Al termine dell'esperienza, riceverai anche una bottiglia di olio extravergine di oliva da 100 ml da portare a casa.

Discover the medieval historic center of Altamura, with its cathedral built by Emperor Frederick II of Swabia.The historic center is famous for its perfectly circular shape, but above all for the cloisters, a mirror of the mixture of several cultures that have characterized the city throughout the historical periods.Entrance to one of the wood-fired ovens to learn the secrets of Altamura bread.

Your driver will accompany you to the Crypt of Original Sin: a cave used as a church in the ninth century B.C. by Benedictine monks, completely frescoed by the expert hand of the "Painter of flowers of Matera". Rediscovered back in 1963 by a group of young Matera fans, from shelter of flocks, the crypt has become one of the unmissable stops in the visit of the European Capital of Culture 2019. The journey continues towards the Church of Madonna della Palomba, where inside you can visit some underground environments: Neviera outside; Refectory; Cellar; Cistern; Kitchen. The third place to visit is the Crypt of San Michele Arcangelo, kept inside the Masseria Jesce in Altamura, which has frescoes from the mid-fourteenth century, including a "deesis" (Byzantine iconography) attributable to Giovanni da Taranto, and a series of wall panels depicting episodes of the Marian cycle, made by Didaco de Simone in the seventeenth century. (The order of places to visit may vary)

Discover the medieval town built during the Holy Roman Empire, enter the historical center from one of the ancient gates to the town and discover the architectural beauties of the churches of St. Blaise, St. Nicholas, Greek Church and the Cathedral of Altamura, the only church built by Emperor Frederick II Hohenstaufen in the Middle Ages. The lovely walk continues through the typical squares of the old town and made to carry you smell good in the little streets of the old town in search of old wood-burning ovens where even today the cooking bread and focaccia. 

Immerse yourself in a cooking class at a local home, learning the secrets of the most famous dishes of regional cuisine and taste the fruit of your labor accompanied by local wines. During the lesson, the cook will reveal the tricks of the trade for three authentic local recipes. Have fun putting your cooking skills to the test. You will have a workstation equipped with utensils and all the ingredients to make the dishes. Then, taste everything you have prepared accompanied by a selection of local wines. Instead of loading your suitcase with souvenirs, take home Italian cooking skills that will stay with you for life.

Explore the ancient cave dwellings of Matera on a guided walking tour. Learn about the history of the "Sassi" and discover why they were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Meet your guide and set off on a walking tour of Matera's districts of ancient cave dwellings, "Sassi". Learn about the history of the area and discover why it is one of the main Italian attractions. People have been settling in Matera for a long time, and the city is often listed as one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. "In the Sassi caves is concealed the capital of the peasants, its heart hidden in their ancient civilization. Anyone who sees Matera cannot help but be awe-struck, so expressive and touching is its sorrowful beauty." After your tour, enjoy free time to explore the area at your own pace.